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BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan (January 10, 2008) - Afghan
national security forces and coalition advisors provided medical
checkups and humanitarian aid to more than 100 villagers Jan. 6
near Khorma in the Tarin Kowt district of Afghanistan's Oruzgan
province.
The project, led by Afghan National Army and Afghan National
Police units, was planned to support the Afghan government's effort
to improve medical care and distribute supplies in remote areas of
the country.
The soldiers met with village elders to discuss the people's
needs and see what projects could be planned for future visits. The
elders quickly passed word of the aid-delivery mission to
residents. Villagers lined up according to their needs, with some
families needing medical care while others simply needing supplies
to help get them through the harsh Afghan winter.
Village elders prepared to distribute items while the combined
force unloaded a trailer full of medicine and medical supplies,
food and vitamins. Police brought winter clothes, including
sweaters, jackets, shoes and boots. Some families received
toothbrushes, toothpaste, bowls, lotion, soap and infant formula
according to their needs.
The medics treated several adults and children for minor
ailments, but overall, everyone was fairly healthy, officials said.
Only a few needed treatment for cold and flu symptoms or minor skin
infections. After handing out food and supplies and treating minor
ailments, medics conducted preventive medicine classes for many of
the residents.
"The village elders were very appreciative for the aid the
(Afghan security forces) brought," a coalition soldier said. "They
were very grateful that we provided quality medical treatment and
supplies."
The Afghan National Police, including Oruzgan Provincial Police
Chief Juma Gul, were instrumental in providing security for the
mission and the village. The national police also donated radios,
pens, pencils, notebooks and rugs as gifts. "The villagers are very
happy to have ANP patrol their area," one policeman said. "Village
elders said that they now feel safe."
Missions like this greatly improve the health and welfare of
villagers in remote locations and helps to build stronger
relationships between the Afghan people and their country's
security forces, a coalition soldier said.
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